Being a Cincinnati Bengals fan is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes referred to as the “Cardiac Cats” and others as the “Bungles,” to say being a Bengals fan is a bumpy road is akin to calling a coney cheesy. Perhaps that is why seeing the Cincinnati Bengals grind their way into the playoffs for a second straight year is so meaningful.
Bengals fans have heard all of the statistics by now – 20 years since the Bengals have won a playoff game; 30 years since they made the playoffs in back to back seasons; two Super Bowl appearances, but no victories. Yet now that is all in the past, and Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, Geno Atkins, Rey Maualuga , Domata Peko and the others who suit up in the orange and black week after week played no part in that history.
When this batch of fresh young Cincinnati Bengals made the playoffs last year, they shocked both doubters and die-hard fans. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year, little was expected, but evidently nobody told the team. A sweet treat not often indulged in by Bengals fans.
However Cincinnati Bengals fans have been fooled before into thinking the tides have turned - one only need to look back a few years and recall how former hero to zero quarterback Carson Palmer did them wrong. So it was understandable that while some Bengals fans looked toward the current season with optimism, others were weary of going all in, fearing last year was a teaser that would not last.
This year was a bit of a roller coaster ride for Bengals and their fans, but as the weeks progressed they found themselves going down the biggest hill, hands in the air, screaming WhoDey as they rocketed past the Pittsburgh Steelers into the playoffs.
The Cincinnati Bengals have proven they are the real deal and can compete with any team. However a win this Saturday versus the Houston Texans in the playoffs would push them a step beyond. It would be a step further than last year, a sure sign the Bengals have not just improved, but continue to do so and are worthy of being known as one of the top teams in the NFL.
Cincinnati Bengals fans have gritted their teeth and stuck with their team through some dark days. It seems at long last they have found a team to openly adore instead of grudgingly endure.
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